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What is the Source of Your Fire?, May 24
Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their
garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
Revelation 3:4
.
A few even in Sardis held fast their integrity. Their only hope was in holding
fast to God, and in them the promise will be fulfilled, “I will make a man more pre-
cious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir” (
Isaiah 13:12
)....
In the early Christian church there were men who were true disciples of Christ.
They met often together where prayer was wont to be made. They could only work
to advance those principles that bore the signet of heaven. They first talked with
God, ascertained what spirit they themselves were of; then they could closely and
critically examine every point, every method, every principle in the light reflected
from the Sun of Righteousness. They did not accept strange fire. They took their
fire from the divine altar. To them, holy and just principles were sacred, and by
cherishing these they kept themselves unspotted from the world.
Ever looking to Jesus, they marked the spirit in which He worked and followed
His example. They gave to others the pure principles of the Word of God. This
Word was their counselor, their guide, their close companion. To them, the
Scriptures were supreme authority. For every question agitated they had one
standard to consult. It was not, “What saith men?” but, “What saith the Lord?”
Those who are constrained by the love of Christ will be faithful to the work
and Word of God.... The true Christian is ever to feel that he is dependent upon
his Maker. And he will not be ashamed to acknowledge his dependence. Like
Daniel, he will not take credit to himself. He will give all honor to God, letting
worldly men as well as his brethren know that he is depending upon the Lord, and
weeding out of his life everything that would grieve His Spirit. Like Daniel, he
will improve every opportunity of adding to his acquirements. He will trade upon
the talents the Lord has given him, after the holy principles laid down in the Word.
And this will give him multiplied ability....
If God gives a man wisdom, his course of action will be in harmony with the
will of God, and those connected with him will have confidence in his wisdom to
devise and plan for the progress and advancement of the work of God in saving
souls that are ready to die. The apostle Peter says: “Grace and peace be multiplied
unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his
divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness”
(
2 Peter 1:2, 3
).—
Manuscript, May 24, 1898
, to the General Conference and our
publishing institutions.
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